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Our planet might be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate individuals to take action.

The medal will honor in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close relationship she had with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will spur positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”